Chinese vessels were involved in another risky encounter with Philippine ships during the recent resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, according to the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS).
“The Task Force is also informed that the harassment, dangerous maneuvers, and aggressive conduct of the vessels of the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) against our public vessels took place again during the conduct of routine and regular operations well within our nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” the NTF-WPS said.
The National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) strongly condemned the aggressive actions of Chinese vessels during the resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.
The NTF-WPS emphasized that these operations were in line with the Philippines’ legitimate exercise of administrative functions and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, as guided by international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) emphasized the importance of regional peace, security, and stability anchored in international law, quoting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
The NTF-WPS reported that the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted another resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal with Philippine Coast Guard escort vessels. They noted that Chinese vessels, including China Coast Guard ships and maritime militia vessels, attempted to block the Philippine ships during the mission.
China vessels bully Philippine ships anew – NTF-WPS
Despite the efforts of Chinese vessels to obstruct the mission, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that the resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was successful.
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri’s office shared a video showing an alleged Chinese Coast Guard vessel tailing and attempting to come close to Philippine ships en route to the shoal.
“The grey ships are ours but the one na nagsisingit sa likod at gustong banggain ang supply at Navy boats natin is CCG. Doing very dangerous maneuvers,” said Zubiri.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced the successful completion of another replenishment mission to troops stationed at the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
This marks the third resupply mission after the August 5 incident when the Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons against the Philippine Coast Guard fleet conducting a similar mission.
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